Fathers Day: The fibromyalgia impact on me as a father

A Father's Day Blog

Becoming a father has been the single most challenging, motivating, empowering and rewarding role I have ever and probably ever will have. I mention this because I am going to take you through a short timeline on my explaining of this. Around 6 years ago my life changed, I was faced with a traumatic event that had eventually led to my diagnoses of Fibromyalgia. 

This diagnosis changed my life, forcing me to give up my degree, give up my sporting activities and competing, along with loosing huge bulks of my friendship groups. Throughout all of this I was lucky to have such a supportive and understanding family/ partner who has helped me through so much.

I can remember still the thoughts I had when we found out we was going to be having a baby, I could not see myself in the picture, I had so many worries about being a parent that I would not be able to do much at all.

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Volunteers Week 2021: Jenny Timms

My name is Jenny Timms and I am a one of the many volunteers for FMA UK and have been for approximately two years as the regional coordinator for the Midlands.

The process of becoming a volunteer for FMA UK was the same as applying for a paid position, so I filled out an application form then went through two phone interviews with head office via phone including a chat with Des Quinn the chief executive, and though I was incredibly nervous, everyone I spoke to put me at ease as they were all exceedingly kind and friendly.

The reason I went for this volunteer position was I wanted to make a difference to others who have fibromyalgia just like myself. I had been considering it for a short while as I was feeling like I was not worth much and not contributing to the world around me and since I was unable to work a full-time job, I knew volunteering was the answer as it meant I could still use my lifetime skills the best way I thought how whilst being able to adapt the hours around my condition, and I have not regretted it once!

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FMA UK Statement on NICE guideline changes

With the release of the NICE guideline on primary chronic pain we can start to examine the impact it may have on patients. It is our view that the fibromyalgia community will see this as a significant step back – both in their treatment options and their ‘legitimacy’ within the health service.  

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Research: Is spirituality good for your health?

Update : I would like to thank everybody very much who showed an interest in my research project and to those who have agreed to participate, I am extremely grateful! I have had such a fantastic response that I can no longer include anyone else in the project, however I look forward to sharing the outcome of the project with FMAUK in a few months’ time. Best wishes, Sue Evans.

Is spirituality good for your health?

Hello. My name is Sue Evans, and I am an MSc student with the Alef Trust.

This study is exploring whether following a spiritual health programme can increase feelings of health and wellbeing in people living with Fibromyalgia.

Following the programme is simple and involves connecting with what makes you feel good – reading a book, listening to music or being in nature.  Daily, short, meditations are encouraged as is keeping brief notes in a journal to mark your progress.  You will be given a link allowing you to download the programme booklet before you start.

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Regional Coordinator for South West

We are currently recruiting a volunteer to cover our Regional Coordinator role in the South West area.

Our Regional Coordinators are our point of contact for new enquiries via email and telephone, provide support to the local Support Groups in the area, and represent FMA UK at events among other tasks.  

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Steph: Pregnancy with fibromyalgia

This is an emotive subject for me, I feel as though I’ve come almost full circle since having my daughter in 2016. I don’t look at my first pregnancy with fond memories - because I was debilitated by hormonal migraines, and by 16 weeks I was on crutches with a condition called Symphis Pubic Dysfunction where the ligaments in your pelvis become stretchy making walking painful, this condition later saw me in a wheelchair. (Hang in there, there’s a fibromyalgia related point to this, I promise.) At 36 weeks I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, I had to be hospitalised and induced, I had to have my waters broken manually and when my daughter finally arrived she was born withdrawing from antidepressant medication I was taking in pregnancy.

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